BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Bahrain will be well-represented anew come the 2024/2025 FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) with the entry of Al Ahli Club.
They're one of the four new teams taking part in the Gulf League, and may even rise as a legitimate contender this season. Curious? Read on to learn why.
History
Considered as a pillar of sports in the country, Al Ahli were formed several decades ago as a result of the merger between clubs Al Tursana and Al Nusoor.
They are primarily known in football but the club has been synonymous to success when it comes to basketball. Al Ahli are the second-most successful team in Bahraini Basketball League history, having won a total of 20 championships.
Emblem
Homecourt
Al Ahli play their home games at the BBA Arena at the Bahraini capital in Manama, where most of the intense games of their storied domestic league are being held.
Path to FIBA WASL 2024/2025
Al Ahli finished as runners-up to Manama, 3-1 in the 2023-24 Bahraini League, which led them to FIBA WASL. They're now the third team from the country to play in the league after the inaugural champions and Muharraq, who played last season.
Their upcoming stint in the pan-regional meet could also serve as another avenue to avenge the Finals loss to Manama, although it may only happen some time in the Final Phase as the two rivals are situated in different pools in the Group Phase.
Being that decorated domestically will draw more attention to their side, plus the fact that they're now being coached by former Sagesse chief mentor Jad El Hajj as he's taken his act to Bahrain after spending most of his career in Lebanon.
But that is for another story.
FIBA